S’mores Icebox Cake

As far as summer desserts go, I don’t think it gets more perfect than a s’mores-inspired, no-bake, best-served-chilled treat. When it’s also potluck or backyard-barbecue ready, you have a gold standard summer dessert. That’s why we love our s’mores icebox cake.

This s’mores-inspired dessert has a chocolate component of homemade chocolate ganache, and the fluffy marshmallow filling is made from tangy cream cheese, vanilla pudding and a whole jar of sticky marshmallow cream. We layer the ganache and filling with graham crackers, which soften ever so slightly as the dessert sets up in the fridge. This icebox cake is indulgent as is, but there’s always room for a layer of peanut butter or pistachio cream too.

Ingredients for S’mores Icebox Cake

• Semisweet baking bars: Chop up semisweet baking bars so they’ll melt more easily in the warm cream. I don’t recommend substituting chocolate chips, as they often have emulsifiers that will mess up the ganache’s texture.
• Heavy whipping cream: To turn the baking chocolate into chocolate ganache, we’ll warm the heavy whipping cream and submerge the chocolate so it can fully melt.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Instant pudding mix is the major flavor driver for the marshmallow cream filling. While we suggest vanilla, you can use cheesecake pudding mix for something a little richer.
• Cold whole milk: Cold whole milk activates the pudding mix. Keep the milk in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. I don’t recommend a nondairy milk alternative here, as it might not activate the pudding.
• Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so the filling doesn’t have any cream cheese lumps in it.
• Marshmallow cream: For the sticky texture and sweet taste of marshmallows, we include an entire 7.5-ounce jar of marshmallow cream in the filling.
• Frozen whipped topping: Thaw the whipped topping before use so it can fold into the marshmallow filling, making it light and fluffy.
• Graham crackers: Go for your favorite brand of graham crackers. If you don’t have a go-to, try one of our Test Kitchen’s favorite graham crackers from the store or try your hand at homemade honey grahams!
• Toppings: Finish the s’mores icebox cake recipe with mini marshmallows, chocolate curls and crushed graham crackers as desired.

Directions

Step 1: Make the ganache

Place the chopped semisweet baking bars in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy whipping cream just to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, making sure all the chocolate is completely submerged. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. Set the chocolate ganache aside.

Editor’s Tip: Do not let the cream come to a full boil or it’ll bubble over the saucepan and create a huge mess. Take it from me!

Step 2: Mix the pudding

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the cold milk with the instant vanilla pudding mix for two minutes. Let the mixture stand until it’s soft-set, about two minutes.

Step 3: Whip up the marshmallow filling

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Add the prepared pudding and the entire 7.5-ounce jar of marshmallow cream, then beat until smooth. Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the thawed whipped topping.

Step 4: Assemble and chill

Arrange one sleeve of graham crackers in a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread half the marshmallow filling over the crackers. Spoon half the chocolate ganache over the filling.

Repeat the layers, then refrigerate the s’mores icebox cake for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Before serving, top your s’mores icebox cake with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings and crumbled graham crackers, if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Torch the topping: Got a kitchen torch? Line the entire topping with regular-sized marshmallows (completely covering the chocolate ganache and marshmallow cream layers) and brulee just the marshmallows. Don’t use your oven broiler, though, or you’ll melt the entire dessert.
• Include a dessert spread: After placing the graham cracker layers, spread on Nutella, pistachio cream, salted caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a little more indulgence.
• Add a peanut buttery component: Does anyone else use Reese’s instead of chocolate bars for s’mores? You can add that peanut buttery component here, too, by layering in Reese’s, toasted peanuts or peanut butter.

How to Store S’mores Icebox Cake

Store leftover s’mores icebox cake in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it tightly covered—the chocolate ganache and creamy fillings will absorb lingering fridge smells. No one wants to taste last night’s dinner in their s’mores icebox cake!

Can you make this s’mores icebox cake recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make s’mores icebox cake ahead of time. Since it needs to chill in the fridge for at least four hours before serving, it’s the perfect dessert to make the day before serving.

Once the s’mores icebox cake is all assembled, but before you add the toppings, cover it tightly with storage wrap and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, remove the cover and add the toppings. Enjoy!

S’mores Icebox Cake Tips

How do you cut clean, precise pieces of s’mores icebox cake?

To cut clean, precise pieces of s’mores icebox cake, run a sharp chef’s knife under hot water, then carefully wipe it dry. Make the first cut, then run the knife under hot water again and wipe it dry. Make the second cut, then repeat this process. It will feel a bit tedious, but the heat from the sharp knife will create perfectly clean cuts. It’s worth it!

Can you make a no-bake s’mores icebox cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a no-bake s’mores icebox cake gluten-free. Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones, and ensure all other packaged goods are gluten-free too. While some are naturally gluten-free, the brands might process the food in facilities that handle gluten and wheat, which could pose a problem for celiacs.

How do you make chocolate curls for the topping at home?

To make chocolate curls for the topping at home, grab a vegetable peeler and an unwrapped chocolate bar. Peel downward on the long edge of the chocolate bar and collect the chocolate shavings for the top. That’s it!